I am mid-way through a trip through Arctic Svalbard, and this is the only chance I've had to log on at this latitude. Fascinating trip - and shocking. The sea ice that normally cloaks this archipelago is at the lowest extent for August that I have seen in 25 years, an ominous sign for polar bears like the one we encountered yesterday (above). Most bears here now have been forced ashore by the retreating ice, onto land that offers them nothing in terms of nourishment. I will write more when I get a chance.
Nice shot Kevin. I am saddened to hear of the lack of ice. Seems closer than we all think that these magnificent animals may no longer be able to roam. I hope I can still have my kids see them on a trip like this when they are older but I am not so sure.
is it a result of climate’s change..?…
Huy – Yes, the effects of climate change is most dramatic at the Poles – ice cover here is a fraction of what it was when I first came here 25 years ago…
Kevin